French Prime Minister: Russia wants to punish Armenia for its commitment to democracy and the rule of law

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal delivered a scathing critique of Russia's stance towards Armenia during the annual dinner of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF). Attal accused Russia of seeking to penalize Armenia for its pursuit of peace and sovereignty, voicing concerns over Moscow's disregard for international norms, particularly in Ukraine.

According to a report by Le Figaro, Attal asserted, "Russia wants to punish Armenia for its commitment to combat impunity by joining the International Criminal Court, and for its embrace of democracy and the rule of law." The French premier's remarks shows the perceived tensions between Armenia and Russia, with Armenia's alignment with Western principles seemingly at odds with Moscow's interests.

Attal also condemned Russia's response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, highlighting what he described as a "complementary attitude" towards Azerbaijan's use of force in the region. Nagorno-Karabakh, home to an indigenous Armenian population, witnessed a recent escalation in hostilities, culminating in Azerbaijan's territorial occupation. Attal criticized what he termed as "Russian peacekeeping" efforts, suggesting that they failed to avert a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Moreover, Attal called for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from occupied positions within Armenia. Citing admissions by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding territorial advancements, Attal emphasized the urgency of supporting Armenia's defense of its independence, democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

"The task today is to help Armenia defend its independence, its democracy, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity," concluded the French premier, echoing sentiments of solidarity with Armenia in the face of external pressures.